“You can answer your own question. You already know the anwser, if you can just gain access to it” – Michael Crichton

Gerry — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:02:44 +0000

“I’m thinking of going to see a psychic, do you fancy it?”, asked a friend a few weeks ago.

“Yeah, alright, it’ll be a laugh,” I replied, revealing both my healthy scepticism and natural curiosity for all things mystic.

A full month later, we finally got an appointment, with a highly regarded tarot reading psychic. The date 12^th July, being both apt and significant somehow, as it was my birthday. Perhaps she could tell me what my next year would bring?

One by one we presented ourselves into her dining room for our reading. There were to be no objects on the table, feet must make contact with the floor, and hands placed strategically, the slightest movement of which incurred an instant wrath ridden reprimand, “You’re closing the door!” (I really should have sat on mine!)

At the end of the reading the psychic asked me what I thought about it? And I, in complete and open honesty replied,

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it was very good, really entertaining” which seemed to please her and left us both in the happy glow of a half-hour (and twenty-five quid) well spent!

In the pub afterwards, we three friends compared notes…

Psychic to me: “You question everything”

Friend 1: “Oh she said that to me”

Psychic to me: “You’re not an ‘every Tom, Dick and Harry’ type of girl”

Friend 2: “Oh yes, I got that one”

Psychic to me: “If only you knew what you wanted”

Friend 2: “And that!”

In discussion with a colleague a day or so later I expressed my incredulity at how seriously and earnestly people engage in these readings and wondered aloud at what it was about. He summed it up perfectly, saying

“Everybody’s looking for answers”

I had to agree, yes…that did seem to be the main motivation. We all want someone to tell us our future, to give us the answers, to tell us what to do!

But of course life’s not like that. We know this. And so, we suspend belief, for half an hour, to hear something (that the very skilled lady) knows we want to hear.

So here’s the rub….as a trained Counsellor, I am skilled and practiced at keeping myself safe, emotionally grounded, and secure in myself. I attended the reading in the spirit (no pun intended) and expectation of a fun and entertaining evening, which it was!

But I couldn’t, in all conscience, not mention my deep unease and misgivings at the seeming recklessness with which this woman blundered into our lives. Casually giving news of the impending death of a love-one, a relatives expected illness, the end of a relationship, without any real concern for the impact of her words on her customer or the emotional aftermath. My colleague sardonically suggested that I leave my business card for people to pick after their reading in order to help them gather their ravaged emotions. (Trust him to spot an opportunity!)

So what answers are you looking for? And how do you intend finding them? In my opinion, you really can’t beat a trusted friend, partner, sibling or parent in most matters. But if you’ve exhausted these avenues or have things that you feel you can’t share with your family (perhaps it would hurt them, or they are just too close to the problem)…well then that’s where a ‘trusted professional’ comes in. But….I implore you…choose your professional wisely!

A one-off session with a counsellor or psychotherapist can uncover truthful and meaningful answers for you. You will meet in a safe and private space and your therapist will help you gather your thoughts and feelings before ending your session.

Alternatively, if you really want to hear that your Great Uncle Ted’s about to die; your Great Grandmother had twins you never knew about; you’re going to have a boy for your next baby (you know it’s a girl); and your relationship won’t last…give me a ring…I know a really good psychic!

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom” – Bob Dylan

Gerry — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:02:53 +0000

Sefton’s new mayor has pledged to help serving forces and war veterans with the launch of his main Mayoral theme. Councillor Alf Doran is endorsing the ‘Heroes Welcome’ initiative in the borough, which will be the first authority in the North West to do so.

Talking Heads are delighted to announce that they have signed up to scheme which asks local businesses to offer discounted goods or services to active British Armed Forces (including Reserve Forces) and veterans. Cllr Doran said: “The Heroes Welcome scheme is an excellent way of enhancing pride within our active British Armed Forces and veterans and a way of local businesses to be involved in this process.Picutured Gerry Johnson (Talking Heads) with The Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton, Cllrs Alf Doran and Gill Cuthbertson.

“Running is a mental sport… and we’re all INSANE!” – Author Unknown

Gerry — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:00:56 +0000

Special mention must go to the Talking Heads counsellor Barbara Dutton who expressed her disappointment at not being able to join us on our Big Breakfast Jog (in aid of St Josephs’ Hospice) around the Cheshire Lines as she was going to be on her holiday break in Barcelona.

Not to be deterred Barbara decided to give the morning of the11^th September over to the Jospice and complete her run in Barcelona – pictured evidence. Well done Barbara…some people really know how to go the extra mile! – Gerry Johnson

“I run so my goals in life will continue to get bigger instead of my belly” – Bill Kirby

Gerry — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:35:36 +0000

Back in June at a particularly inspirational Sefton Chambers meeting we were ‘encouraged’ (!) to join the fundraising activity for our local hospice, St Josephs. The Jospice as they’re known had the great idea of organising a fun-run in which we could partake without it having any impact on our working day.

Join us on our first ever Sponsored Breakfast Jog…

A 5 mile run, jog or even walk to start your working day from Formby Hall Golf Club along the Cheshire Lines. Return to the club, enjoy breakfast, and be in work at your usual time, having raised some funds for your local hospice. You will AMAZE your work colleagues!

Thank you to my amazing colleagues at Talking Heads for getting up at 6am to run around the Cheshire Lines! Gerry Johnson

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and help them become what they are capable of being” – Goethe

Gerry — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:58 +0000

At Talking Heads we are keen to work alongside other agencies and engage in the work of the voluntary sector to help and serve our community. So we were absolutely delighted to be invited along to innov8′s first annual awards ceremony which took place at the Scarisbrick Hotel in Southport. The awards night was organised to recognise and celebrate the hard work of young volunteer mentors who have supported mentees throughout the year. Many of the young people involved in the volunteering programme have themselves experienced personal adversity and use their experience to help other young people. Certificates were awarded to all mentors who completed the BTEC in Volunteering and Social Inclusion as part of their mentor training. Future counsellors and coaches in the making I think!